In case you haven’t already noticed from the chilling mornings and brisk evenings, winter is well and truly here. What does that mean? Snow. Well, sometimes. While Australia is more known for its sandy beaches than snowy mountains and towns, there are a few places where you can find fresh powder down under. Whether you’re a snowboarder or a skier or just want to feel like you’re in a winter wonderland without having to fly to Europe, here are the best places to see snow near Sydney.
Best Places to See Snow Near Sydney at a Glance
Highlights from our list include the following options:
- Best overall: The Snowy Mountains
- For the closest snow to Sydney: Corin Forest
- For snow sports: Perisher and Thredo
- For a snow holiday: The Blue Mountains
Now you’ve read our favourites, let’s check out the complete list.
1. The Snowy Mountains
Distance from Sydney: 490 kilometres (6 hours)
- Pros: With two of the main ski resorts in NSW (Thredbo and Perisher,) there’s lots to do here when it comes to snow-related activities. Given the popularity of the area, there are also countless accommodation options, restaurants and bars.
- Cons: It can get pretty busy here during peak season, so you’ve got to have your wits about you and book ahead. This area is generally pretty expensive, too, compared to other places to see snow near Sydney.
Drive six hours from Sydney, and you’ll end up at the Snowy Mountains, which is the only place near Sydney where you’re guaranteed to see natural snow. Home to Kosciuszko National Park, there is plenty to see and do, including rivers, ski fields, caves, and glacial lakes. It also hosts an array of hidden places to eat and drink, our favourites being the cosy alpine lodge Crackenback Farm, located just 10 minutes from Jindabyne, or for something Shut The Gate Cellar Door & Providore in Berridale for some delicious wine.
Chance of seeing snow: High (snows every season)
Best time to visit: May – September
2. The Blue Mountains
Distance from Sydney: 80 kilometres (1.5 hours)
- Pros: Super easy to get to from Sydney – so close, you could even come on a day trip! The towns here are all very quaint and village-like, with countless cosy pubs and forest walks. Designed for tourists to navigate, it’s also easy to get around.
- Cons: Once again, it gets busy (all year around.) Other than that, the weather can be quite temperamental and more often than not, it’s a foggy day and you can’t see any of the epic views – so plan wisely!
One of the best places to see snow near Sydney if you are short on time, the lovely Blue Mountains is a mere 1.5 drive from Sydney, yet feels worlds away. With endless hikes, old-school pubs and plenty of epic spots to watch the sunset, the Blue Mountains is the ultimate weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of Sydney. While it is pretty damn cold here and it usually snows in winter, you have to time your visit to a tee – there are only around 5 snow days per year and generally only in the upper mountains. To wind down after a long day soaking up the mountain air, head to Old City Bank Bar & Brasserie for the ultimate cosy pub experience or check out the Mountain Culture Beer Co. just up the road to sample some local beer.
Chance of seeing snow: Medium (rarely snows)
Best time to visit: June – July
3. Corin Forest
Distance from Sydney: 330 kilometres (4 hours)
- Pros: There are so many things to do here no matter what time of the year you visit. It’s also conveniently located close to Canberra, so you can duck out to shops and bars when you feel the need with no hassle.
- Cons: The snow here is mostly artificial, and when it does snow, it gets very slushy and icy. If you are a skier, there are better places to hit the slopes.
Nestled in the Tidbinbilla Mountain Ranges just 45 minutes from the heart of Canberra, Corin Forest is a year-round alpine adventure with plenty of snow to be seen in the winter months. Here, you will find great beginner skiing and snowboarding and a range of High Country activities like tobogganing and snowplay. While the actual region itself doesn’t get too much snowfall, the chilly conditions mean snow guns and an all-weather snow-making machine help top up whatever natural snow coverage occurs.
While there is The Corin Cafe located inside the lodge for the ultimate refuge from all the action, its convenient location to Canberra and surrounding wineries means you are just a stone’s throw away from countless Canberra restaurants and bars.
Chance of seeing snow: Medium (rarely snows)
Best time to visit: June-August
4. Thredbo
Distance from Sydney: 490 kilometres (5 hr 30 min)
- Pros: Thredbo is a skier or snowboarder’s dream, with long ski runs and epic trails. The village here is pumping during winter, which means endless options for après-ski.
- Cons: Known to be one of the more expensive places to see snow, you have to factor in lift tickets and passes if you want to get to the mountains with the most snow. If you come off-peak season, due to its strong identity as a ski village, it can feel pretty dead, to say the least.
One of the best places to see snow near Sydney if you’re into outdoor adventure Thredbo is the place to be. Located in the heart of Kosciuszko National Park within the Snowy Mountains, this ski resort offers a picturesque alpine village alongside Australia’s longest ski runs and highest lifted point. This place is best for avid skiers and snowboarders, with plenty of challenging runs. There’s also a plethora of fun experiences on offer, like the infamous Saturday night fireworks, a Sunrise Session with breakfast at Eagles Nest (Australia’s highest restaurant) and unique dining experiences like Merritts Mountain House, where you ride up on the gondola to enjoy alpine mountain views over dinner.
You’ll have no shortage of fun things to do here, especially if you check out our guide to everything that’s happening in Thredbo this winter. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for some snow!
Chance of seeing snow: High (snows every season)
Best time to visit: June – August
5. Perisher
Distance from Sydney: 500 kilometres (5 hr 30 min)
- Pros: Australia’s largest ski resort, there are so many runs, different terrain and cross-country trails you will never get bored. Plus, the high altitude means the snow is some of the best in Australia. It’s also a great place to bring the family, with plenty of kid-friendly activities.
- Cons: There isn’t much of a village vibe here, which usually means it straight to bed after hitting the slopes (which could be just what you want.) It’s also not great for advanced and expert riders and gets super busy during winter.
Another ski resort for the winter sports fanatics, Perisher is home to four picturesque resort areas in one and 245 hectares of terrain with runs across Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega and Blue Cow. Due to its size, there are runs for all skill levels, and it even has its own Snowsports School. Fun experiences: the First Tracks experience, where you can ride untouched and freshly-groomed runs, and the Neon Night Skiing and Boarding.
When it comes to eating out, there are endless options for you to explore. Our go-tos include the Man From Snowy River Hotel and the Alpine Inn at Guthega is the ultimate cosy spot on the mountain for hot chocolate and coffee.
Chance of seeing snow: High (snows every season)
Best time to visit: July – September
6. Oberon
Distance from Sydney: 180 kilometres (3 hours)
- Pros: Highly underrated, Oberon attracts fewer crowds than every other place mentioned on this list, so if you hate crowds, then this is the place for you. The hikes and trails are beautiful and the village is picturesque – surrounded by sheep, cows and pine forest.
- Cons: Snowfall isn’t always guaranteed and due to its low profile, accommodation options are limited, meaning it’s best suited for camping.
Perhaps a lesser-known destination for seeing snow in NSW, Oberon is a hidden gem just a three-hour drive from Sydney. Surrounded by wilderness and pine forests, Oberon is the perfect spot for adventurers and campers and, during the winter months, makes for a romantic winter wonderland. While you’re there, check out the Mayfield Garden, a cool climate garden with a Japanese-style water garden, charming wooden bridges and waterfalls. There is a network of trails for walkers, mountain bikers, horse riders and 4WD’ing with breathtaking views all-round. We suggest timing your visit with the first Saturday of each month so you can check out the Oberon Community and Farmers Market at Oberon Showgrounds.
Chance of seeing snow: Medium (rarely snows)
Best time to visit: July – August
7. Orange
Distance from Sydney: 260 kilometres (3.5 hours)
- Pros: With an ever-expanding foodie and wine scene, Orange has both culture and nature all in one place. As a tourist hub, it is easy to navigate and usually pretty easy to find accommodation during your stay.
- Cons: Snowfall here is unpredictable, so approach with caution! This is a popular spot for weekend warriors, so it can get pretty busy during the weekends. We have also noticed prices going up here as well.
The newest hub for all things food and wine in NSW, Orange is one of the best places to see snow if you also want to tick off some wineries while you’re at it. We suggest coming here ready to indulge – enjoy local wines paired with contemporary cuisine at The Peacock Room and The Union Bank, sample some craft beer at eclectic Birdie Noshery and Drinking Establishment and if you can face the freeze, some gelato from the Spilt Milk Bar doesn’t go amiss.
There are also lots of lovely walks, galleries, and gardens to explore —hopefully with a dusting of snow! Want to know more? Check out our guide to Orange.
Chance of seeing snow: Medium (rarely snows)
Best time to visit: July – August
8. Mudgee
Distance from Sydney: 260 kilometres (4 hours)
- Pros: A great place to indulge, with countless restaurants and wineries. The locale is also known for its unique, boujee accommodation options, with a Mudgee Airbnb voted in the top 10 best stays in the whole world!
- Cons: You will most likely have to climb a mountain to see snow up close and personal. You will also have to book in advance, as it’s getting quite popular and the small town is struggling to keep up with demand.
Another rural NSW with a thriving foodie scene, Mudgee also gets pretty cold in winter which means also means snow is likely to fall a few times each winter. The viticultural heartland in NSW’s Central West is best known for its wine, artisanal produce and unique accommodation options all against the backdrop of rolling hills. Whether you see snow or not, we suggest winery hopping your way through the region. Make sure to stop at Logan Wines, Lowe Wines and the Robert Stein restaurant.
Chance of seeing snow: Medium (rarely snows)
Best time to visit: July
Your FAQs Answered
It generally snows in NSW during the winter months between June to August.
If you’re looking for the closest snow to Sydney keep an eye on the weather radar for the Blue Mountains during June to August, they’re only 1 hour from Sydney. If you don’t want to wait for snow to appear (it’s very rare) head to The Snow Mountains which are 4 hours from Sydney.
July is the best time of year to see snow near Sydney.
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